Age and relative importance of major life domains

Based on a quality of life conceptual model which incorporates the domain comparison process postulated by the self-system perspective, this study empirically examined the relationship between age and domain comparison among adults age 50 and above. Study participants were interviewed through telephone. Domain comparison was measured by asking the participants to rank eight major life domains, based on their importance. Data were analyzed using exploded logit regression models. Among the eight domains studied, the most important was health, followed by family life, religion, friendships, financial situation, spare time, neighborhood, and work. The results indicate that age is significantly associated with domain comparison, which provides preliminary support for the domain comparison process postulated by the self-system perspective.